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Powering the Future: PM Modi Cheers ‘Made-in-India’ Green Hydrogen Spark at Kandla

Swarnadwip Nath Published Aug 04, 2025, 04:22 AM Updated Sep 17, 2026, 07:45 PM

In a landmark development for India’s clean energy and Make-in-India ambitions, Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla, has commissioned the country’s first megawatt-scale Green Hydrogen Plant. The 1 megawatt (MW) facility was inaugurated at Kandla port on July 31, 2025, within four months of laying the foundation stone by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Bhuj on May 26, 2025. This achievement marks a pivotal step towards India’s commitment to green energy, maritime decarbonization, and enhanced indigenous technological capabilities.

Key Highlights of the Green Hydrogen Plant Commissioning

The plant is the first Make-in-India 1 MW Green Hydrogen facility built entirely with Indian engineering, design, and project execution led by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Deendayal Port Authority teams.

Expected to produce approximately 140 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually, the plant will initially power 11 electric buses and street lighting within Kandla port, with plans to fuel all port operations over time.

This 1 MW module is the first phase of a larger 10 MW project. DPA aims to expand the facility by an additional 5 MW before the end of the current fiscal year and achieve full 10 MW capacity by mid-next fiscal year.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who inaugurated the facility, described the project as a “shining example of speed, scale, and skill,” reflecting India’s Maritime Vision 2030 and National Green Hydrogen Mission under PM Modi’s leadership.

The plant symbolizes India’s emergence as a leader in green hydrogen production and maritime sustainability, making Kandla the first Indian port to operationalize a megawatt-scale indigenous green hydrogen ecosystem.

The electrolyser technology used is made in India, reinforcing the country’s focus on self-reliance and cutting-edge energy innovation.

Strategic Importance and National Impact

The green hydrogen plant aligns with India’s broader energy transition goals and commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070 through clean fuel adoption and decarbonization.

Maritime ports are crucial nodes in India’s logistics and industrial network; decarbonizing port operations significantly cuts carbon footprints and sets a model for other ports to emulate.

The facility helps demonstrate scalable indigenous solutions to hydrogen production, enabling sustainable transport and industrial applications beyond Kandla, including power generation and fuel for vessels and tugs.

By championing green hydrogen, India boosts its strategic energy security by reducing fossil fuel dependency and tapping its abundant renewable energy resources such as solar and wind.

Technological and Industrial Excellence

This project was implemented within just four months, a record-setting timeline reflecting effective project management, stakeholder coordination, and government support.

L&T Green Energy Kandla Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary dedicated to green hydrogen and related technologies, played a critical role in engineering and executing this complex infrastructure.

The plant’s modular design allows phased expansion to the targeted 10 MW capacity, enabling scalability based on operational learnings and market demand.

Integration with local renewable energy sources enhances operational sustainability and drives innovation in electrolysis technology under India-specific conditions.

Remarks by Leadership and Visionaries

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized the project’s role as a beacon of Make-in-India philosophy, lauding the Deendayal Port Authority and L&T engineers for their commitment to future-ready hydrogen ecosystems.

PM Narendra Modi, who laid the foundation stone earlier in May, has consistently championed hydrogen energy as a game-changer for India’s clean energy sector, envisioning hydrogen as a “fuel of the future” that can catalyse economic growth and sustainable development.

Minister of State Shantanu Thakur highlighted the plant’s significance for Gujarat and the nation, reinforcing India’s leadership in innovation, green technology adoption, and climate responsibility.

Broader Context: National Green Hydrogen and Maritime Ambitions

The Green Hydrogen Plant at Kandla is a flagship initiative under India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission launched in 2023, aiming to build large-scale green hydrogen ecosystems to meet industrial and transport fuel needs.

Maritime India Vision 2030 emphasizes environmental sustainability and green technology integration to make India’s ports globally competitive and eco-friendly.

The project supports India’s commitment under global climate accords to reduce carbon emissions and adopt clean fuels across heavy industries and transportation sectors.

The port’s pioneering green hydrogen efforts follow earlier innovations like India’s first all-electric green tugboat deployed by DPA, showcasing a comprehensive approach to maritime decarbonization.

Looking Ahead: Expanding Horizons and Replication Potential

With the 1 MW plant now operational, plans to scale up capacity, integrate green fuel for all port operations, and replicate similar models at other major Indian ports are underway.

The success sets a benchmark for rapid execution, indigenous technology development, and government-industry collaboration, encouraging wider adoption of green hydrogen in India’s energy and industrial sectors.

Continued investment, policy support, and innovation will be essential to realize India’s hydrogen economy potential and achieve climate targets while boosting manufacturing and employment.

In summary, the commissioning of India’s first Make-in-India 1 MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Kandla Port is a historic achievement celebrated by PM Modi and government leaders as a beacon of India’s clean energy future. This project exemplifies rapid technological progress, sustainable maritime operations, and self-reliance, advancing India’s journey towards a low-carbon economy and global green leadership.

Sources: ANI (Tribune India), Economic Times

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